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OBJECTIVE To analyze the factors that influence tumor progression and response to therapy.

METHODS The new prognostic factors involved in the progression of bladder tumors that have been described in the literature, such as tumor antigen expression, molecular growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis, are reviewed.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS The etiopathogenesis of bladder cancer remains unknown and treatment is based on the clinical stage of the disease. The new tumor markers will permit a more individualized prognosis and treatment can be instituted according to the biological characteristics of the tumor.